With reference to the formation of Forward Bloc answer the following questions:

(a) What led to the formation of Forward Bloc?

(b) What were the immediate aim and long-term objectives of the Forward Bloc?
Or
Explain any four measures suggested by Subhas Bose to establish a Socialist society.

(a) Subhas Bose's re-election as Congress President against Gandhi's wishes, his socialist beliefs and his revolutionary ideas were the factors that led to the formation of Forward Bloc in May, 1939.

(b) Forward Bloc's immediate objective was liberation of India with the support of workers, peasants, youths and all radical organisations.

After attaining independence, the Forward Bloc would work for the establishment of a Socialist Society. The measures suggested by Subhas Bose were as follows:

1. State-planning for the reorganisation of agriculture and industry on Socialist lines
2. Abolition of landlordism, i.e., Zamindari system
3. Social ownership of the means of production (land, factories, etc) and means of distribution (banks and the transportation system)
4. Making the 'right to work' as a Fundamental Right of the citizens
5. Providing workers several kinds of benefits, such as the payment of minimum wages and occupational safety
6. Introduction of a new Monetary and Credit System.

Its objectives also included the following-

1. Freedom in the matter of religious worship.
2. Linguistic and cultural autonomy for all sections of the Indian community.

Forward Bloc's statement of objectives concluded with these words: "Application of the principle of Equality and Social Justice in building up the New Order in Free India".